♦ Divergence from Spell Culture (1200’s) ♦

In the early 1200’s, when Spell Culture reached its height with the development of Tools, it was impossible for those who could not use Spells to live even a meager life on the Eastern Continent. Being unable to use Spells meant not having the means to protect against foreign enemies. Not only that, but in the regions where Spell Culture had reached maturity, those who could not use Spells were thought to have no Anima and were considered evil.

Exile of the Prince

1227

It was an incident which shocked the people of Merchmin. The setting was the Kingdom of Finney, at the Castle in Thermes. The Royal Family uses the “Firebrand Ceremony” as a rite of passage to demonstrate to the people that the heir to the throne possesses Anima. However, the new Prince had none. This shocked not only the Palace, but people across the Kingdom. Possessing Anima was the minimum requirement for holding social status and was considered a means to protect the citizens. Yet the next King was found to be “defective” and the Prince was exiled from the Royal Palace. This was a necessary measure to calm the unrest of the people. The exiled Prince was Gustave XIII, the one who would bring about a huge divergence from Spell Culture.

The Rise of Steel

1248

For Gustave, who had no Anima, Steel armaments were an absolute necessity. He happened upon the technology while taking refuge on the Southern Continent, but that chance encounter was key in restoring basic rights to the Ungifted. Steel armaments were initially only manufactured in the territory of Gustave XIII, but when he advanced on the Eastern Continent, Steel goods spread quickly throughout Sandail almost as fast as the introduction of Tools.

Naturally, troops serving under Gustave were equipped with Steel and clashed in fierce battles against troops using Spells.

A Combination of Old and New

1305

The lost art of manufacturing Steel armaments, revived by those who could not use Spells, brought about more unrest in Sandail. However, it resulted in them being able to escape oppression and live normal lives. Those who used Spells to control the battlefield had to acknowledge this new era of Steel and adapt. When the apparition of Gustave XIII was defeated at South Moundtop, it was one step towards a world where both sides could coexist.

Firebrand

The Firebrand was discovered on Finney Island by Gustave VIII when he acquired the territory. This Quell in the form of a shining red sword became a sacred relic for the Kingdom of Finney which represented flames. Its most peculiar trait was that the Quell holds tremendous power, yet is sensitive to Anima within Humans. If held by an adult, the Firebrand may overreact and burn the wielder to ashes.

For this reason, the Crown Prince of Finney is introduced to the Firebrand from a very young age and regularly interacts with it to build up tolerance. This made it an implement that only the successor could safely touch. The ceremony where the Prince first comes into contact with the Firebrand became the “Firebrand Ceremony”, taking place at the Royal Palace.

The Firebrand Ceremony takes place when the Prince who inherits the name of Gustave turns seven years old. Since the Firebrand reacts to even the smallest trace of Anima, the Ceremony is just a formal celebration. However, the Quell did not react as expected in the year 1227. That was the beginning of a change in government that would shake the whole world of Sandail.

Diggers & Sentries

Among the common folk, Diggers and Sentries were especially keen on the revival of Steel. Diggers originated in the days of the Empire where nobles seeking power would organize Quell expeditions. Finding Quells is their main job, made possible thanks to their excellent sensitivity to Anima. Then it was the role of Sentries to protect the Diggers. The profession of Sentry used to be taken by the second or third sons of nobles who could not inherit, but by the 1200’s, became the trade of many ruffians and rogues. But even so, they were extremely aware of new methods for survival.

In the search for Quells, only death awaits the unprepared. A better selection of powerful armaments was essential for survival, especially for Sentries who would be protecting Diggers. Then Steel goods appeared. Diggers hated Steel since it interfered with the flow of Anima and hindered their ability to detect Quells. But Sentries found Steel helpful since the armor could block Spells and the weapons could deliver powerful attacks without expending Anima. By the 1240’s, Steel goods had crossed Grand Valley and were even available in Weissland, the land where Quells were first discovered. In this way, awareness of Steel goods spread thanks to Sentries and others who utilized them.

■ Summary of the History of Quells

The Age of Steel

The technology for making Steel originated on the Southern Continent. The land was not blessed with Quells, so humans evolved along with their tools. Stone tools became Bronze. Bronze became Steel. As technology advanced, humans mastered the art of processing minerals. However, the introduction of Quells and Tools led the people to cast aside this technology and it was soon forgotten.

●1100’s

Tools and Quells used in combat had extremely powerful offensive capabilities and could even repel strong attacks from enemies. In other words, there was no need for normal armaments without the power of Spells. By the 1100’s, Tools had spread far enough where all soldiers could be equipped with them. Weapons processed from normal minerals were no longer needed and disappeared from the battlefield.

● First half of the 1200’s

The early half of the 1200’s was an era where Spell Culture reached maturity. Everyone was using Tools to take advantage of Spells. Even soldiers were using Spells, which meant that not being able to use them was the same as not being able to fight. Thus, wars were fought between those who could use Spells and groups of talented elites. Naturally, there were a limited number of troops participating and the same elite groups engaged in repeated conflicts.

● 1248

This is when troops carrying Steel armaments appeared. Gustave XIII conquered Wide in 1240 and raised an army that used Steel equipment. For Gustave, who was Ungifted, it was necessary for him to develop a means of fighting without the use of Spells. He had his eye on Steel goods such as knives for cutting meat that did not require the use of Spells.

This brought about a huge change on the Spell-centric battlefield. Previously, units were comprised of only a few elite soldiers, but now the Ungifted and ordinary citizens could be conscripted, allowing for the organization of a greater number of troops. At this point, it turned into a battle of quality versus quantity.

● 1305

The appearance of Steel Soldiers completely changed the method of combat. However, this change also had a great impact on society. It resulted in the Ungifted being able to utilize Steel to gain new basic rights.